OVU: STATS | ESPN3
BRIDGEPORT: STATS

ALLENDALE, Mich. – Off to their best start in four years, the No. 3 Grand Valley State Lakers welcome two non-conference opponents to the GVSU Soccer Field this weekend as they look to stay unbeaten in 2018. A pair of first-ever meetings commence when the Ohio Valley Fighting Scots come to town for an in-region bout on Friday (Sept. 7) before the Lakers take on the Bridgeport Purple Knights on Sunday (Sept. 9).
 
The Lakers scored ten goals over their two opening weekend victories and seven different players participated in the scoring. Junior Riko Sagara led the way with three goals and an assist en route to GLIAC Player of the Week honors in her Division II debut. Timia Robinson also got off to a hot start in her college career, scoring a goal in each of her first two career matches.
 
The Lakers outscored Bellarmine and Missouri-St. Louis by a combined 10-1, with the lone goal conceded coming off a penalty kick after a questionable hand ball called in the box. GVSU outshot their opponents 58-8 and earned 12 corner kicks while conceding three. The Lakers are 2-0-0 for the first time since 2014, when they won each of their first three matches. GVSU has a chance to start 4-0-0 for the first time since 2010 with a pair of wins this weekend (in 2011, 2012 and 2013 the Lakers did not lose before their fifth match, but had at least one draw).
 
The weekend kicks off with Ohio Valley University on Friday (Sept. 7) at 4:00 PM with the defensive-minded Fighting Scots. They've conceded just two goals through their first three matches of the season, starting the year 1-0-2. The stats indicate an aggressive side, with 43 fouls and six yellow cards already recorded. Offensively, OVU is similar to the Lakers in that their six goals have been scored by five different players. Only Konstantina Giannou has two goals on the season. As a team, the Fighting Scots have taken 50 shots but just 20 are on frame.
 
The Scots are an up-and-coming squad that reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history last season. Giannou was a big reason why, earning first team All-Region from D2CCA and second team All-Region honors from United Soccer Coaches to cap off her historic freshman year. She was named GMAC Player of the Year after breaking the OVU single-season record in goals (17) and, after just one season, already set the program's career points record with 40 last year. With the assumption that she, along with fellow freshman first team All-Region selection Ana Da Costa, will continue to grow as sophomores, OVU was picked first in the GMAC preseason coaches' poll.
 
"This weekend's opponents provide very unique challenges," GVSU head coach Jeff Hosler said. OVU is a very physical and emotional opponent who look to impose their will on you. Composure and execution will be vital."
 
Bridgeport will face the Ashland Eagles on Friday at the GVSU Soccer Field before the Lakers face them Sunday (Sept. 9) at 12:00 PM. Receiving votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches top-25, the Purple Knights are off to a 2-0-0 start on the year after a pair of shutout wins. They blanked American International, 3-0, and downed Southern Connecticut State, 1-0, in a pair of home matches last weekend. Maegen Doyle and Nara DeCosta have a pair of goals each to lead the Purple Knights' attack while Elin Eklund has dealt a pair of assists. A side that can move the ball well, Bridgeport has five assists on their four goals scored this year.
 
"Bridgeport is one of the best coached teams out there and typically play unfamiliar systems trying to create overloads and unbalance their opponents," said Hosler. They are used to traveling the country to play top programs and will be comfortable and prepared for Sunday.  We will need to be sharp and organized while looking to do the same to them."
 
 
The Lakers will be tested with a pair of strong defensive teams this weekend. After an offensive barrage to start the year, GVSU will look for more of the same as they continue to grow and gel their new-look squad. If the team can continue their strong play all across the field, they'll have an opportunity to get off to the best start of the decade. For a team that has been a perennial National Championship contender, that would be a true sign that the Lakers are once again reloaded.